Arriva Trains Wales makes £100,000 virtual reality investment
Train operator installs VR platform as part of staff training designed to improve passenger safety
Arriva Train Wales has invested over £100,000 in a virtual reality cave featuring an interactive rail platform in an attempt to improve passenger safety across its network.
The virtual reality simulator, located in Arriva Trains Wales’ driver training centre in St. David’s House, Cardiff, comprises a three-walled room where projectors and screens create an immersive virtual train platform allowing the user to navigate around the VR station using a wireless hand-held controller.
It contains a number of scenarios which will be used by conductors and station staff to recognise behaviours and identify potential risks and hazards to passengers and develop their situational awareness.
The software was developed by Telford-based Virtual Reality Simulation Systems, which specialises in using computer game technology to deliver safety and educational training for businesses.
“The well-being of our passengers is vitally important to us and that is why we have invested heavily in developing the virtual reality cave,” Gareth Thomas, human resources director at Arriva Trains Wales, said.
“It will help train our staff to identify potential risks and hazards faster so they can react quicker and reduce the number of accidents across our network.
“At Arriva Trains Wales we are committed to utilising new technology to improve our customer service offering and ensure our staff gain the necessary training to deal with any issues that may occur.”